Review Author
Joe LoMusio
Published on
January 3, 2014
Company
MiniArt
MSRP
$29.00

Background

Hermann Wilhelm Goering (or Göring) is, of course, best known as the infamous commander of the German Luftwaffe during World War Two. Instrumental in Adolf Hitler’s rise to power in 1933, he became one of the most powerful men in Germany. He founded the Gestapo in 1933 and became commander-in-chief of the Luftwaffe in 1935. He held this position until the final days of World War II. What some may not know is that he was also a decorated pilot of World War I with 22 victories to his credit. As an ace fighter pilot, he was the recipient of numerous medals and awards – The Iron Cross (1st and 2nd Class), the Zaehring Lion with swords, the Friedrich Order, the House Order of Hohenzollern with swords third class, and finally, in May 1918, the coveted Pour le Mérite, also known as the "Blue Max". He also has the distinction of being the last commander of Jagdgeschwader 1, the fighter wing once led by Manfred von Richthofen.

Review Author
Mark Aldrich
Published on
January 3, 2014
Company
Value Gear
Scale
1/35
MSRP
$11.50

This is the third set of Value Gear Details sets that I have reviewed. Like the previous two sets, these are another great addition to the model builder. All the sets I have reviewed are in 1/35 scale. However, I need to let the other scale modelers know that he also produces items in the 1/48 and 1/72 range as well. Also, for the Sci-Fi modelers, there are four sets specifically designed for you!

Review Author
Dave Koukol
Camden Koukol
Published on
January 3, 2014
Company
Polar Lights
Scale
1/1000
MSRP
$27.99

Overview

Continuing to leverage and proliferate the Star Trek brand, Round2 Models has released another episode-specific rendition of the original series (TOS) Enterprise, this time under the Polar Lights label in 1/1000 scale. Joining the AMT TOS Enterprise and its “The Tholian Web” offering is the “Space Seed” edition, featuring a newly-tooled 1/1000 scale SS Botany Bay.

Review Author
Dick Montgomery
Published on
January 3, 2014
Company
Speed Hunter Graphics
Scale
1/48
MSRP
$19.95

Speed Hunter Graphics is a new decal source and is a division of the well-known and respected Reid Air Publications business. IPMS is very pleased to be able to review the Premiere Decal offerings from Speed Hunter in 1/48th scale, that being the markings for the F-4C and F-4D, reviewed here.

There are two sets of decals for the F-4C and F-4D identified by the item numbers 48001 and 48002.

Set # 1, item # 48001 has markings for a number of aircraft including:

Review Author
Mark Aldrich
Published on
January 3, 2014
Company
Revell, Inc.
Scale
1/24
MSRP
$23.39

Wow, how much cooler can a car model get? You take a 1932 Ford Sedan, chop the heck outta it and add a scale skeleton to boot!!! Super great idea! Man, talk about old! This kit has been around since I was born and possibly before! Having no idea about car models, I immediately hit the old internet and this baby has been around since 1964 for sure. The real car was built by Dave Stuckey of Kansas starting in 1954. A young girl from Dodge City gave the car it’s Moniker because she thought it’s interior resembled a coffin. Monogram got hooked on the car in 1962 when they saw it at the National Roadster Show in California.

Review Author
Mark Aldrich
Published on
January 3, 2014
Company
Revell, Inc.
Scale
1/25
MSRP
$26.95

What do you get when you give a Revell designer free reign on coming up with a design for a Pro Gasser style car? Nothing….absolutely nothing. At least not anything that has ever driven down the ¼ mile strip at any race track on this green Earth. Does that make it a bad thing? Not at all. What you get is a supposedly 1953 Studebaker body done in fiberglass that can pull wheelies at any light! Not a bad promo idea. Let’s paint it in a two tone metallic green and blue and call it “Miss Deal” and add a five Ace card hand on the rear fenders to cement the name home! Way to go!

This is what appears to have been done by Revell back in the 70s. While the idea may have come from the real vehicle “Suicide King”, no one is really sure. The box art is most impressive and who doesn’t love seeing a car pulling a wheelie coming off the line at a race?

Review Author
William Carrell
Published on
January 3, 2014
Company
Kitty Hawk
Scale
1/48
MSRP
$69.99

The Gripen entered Swedish AF service in 1997 and has since equipped the air arms of the Czech Republic, Hungary, South Africa, and Thailand. Brazil officially ordered in Dec 2013 and Sweden is to vote on their order in 2014. Rumors are also swirling that the US could be interested in the 2-seater as a replacement for the T-38.

Kitty Hawk released this 1/48 new-tooled Gripen and upon opening the box it appears to be a reasonably nice kit. It is molded in light grey styrene and is presented on multiple parts trees. There is also a tree of clear and a small fret of PE. The kit features and options include:

Review Author
Dave Koukol
Published on
January 3, 2014
Company
Dragon Models
Scale
1/35
MSRP
$53.79

Designed to replace dated World War I 18-pounders and 4.5-inch howitzers, the 25-pounder became an icon of Commonwealth artillery forces during World War II, serving as the primary field gun and howitzer. Versatility of ordnance types, mobility, and lethality, accompanied by a high rate of fire, made the 25-pdr an indispensible element of Allied field operations, and enabled the design to serve with Commonwealth and other armies into the latter half of the 20th Century.

Accompanying the 25-pdr, in most cases, was the Type 27 ammunition limber, which carried 32 rounds of ammunition in 16 trays. The limber would be towed between the prime mover and the 25-pdr.

Review Author
Dave Koukol
Published on
January 3, 2014
Company
Dragon Models
MSRP
$64.00

Background

Based on requirements laid down in 1934, and first seeing production in 1937, the Panzer III was fielded as the primary battle tank of the Wehrmacht at the outset of World War II. Upon engaging the Red Army’s T-34’s and KV-1’s it was evident the Panzer III was at a significant disadvantage. The E-, F-, and G- models were retrofitted with a larger 50mm main gun, which became standard on the –H model along with additional armor bolted to the rear, glacis and front superstructure of the hull. The Ausf. H also received an improved transmission and redesigned sprockets and idlers. Of an initial order of 759 Ausf.H’s, only 308 were produced until April 1941.

Review Author
Rod Lees
Published on
January 3, 2014
Company
Master Model
Scale
1/48
MSRP
$6.00

Master Models is one of those companies who have stepped up to deliver what we really need; durable, accurate metal pitot tubes and probes for our fast-mover jets. THANK-YOU VERY MUCH for filling the void!

The only thing I will say is to be careful with them, as they can turn your house into a doctors’ office for injections in little time!

These 3 little (and I mean tiny, miniscule, actually “Scale”) bits are perfect to add to your model. First, they are made of brass, which makes them durable but not “unbendable” like stainless steel or actual needles; they have a bit of “give” when “tweeked”, but return to shape. That means you won’t have the same issues as resin pitot tubes where the cat breathes on the parts and they go flying off into the netherworld!

Second: Where else are you going to find such great metal machine work at a reasonable price? Only with Master Models!